John Courter's Web Page

Hymn Preludes Index

Virtual Center/Musicr

Hymn Preludes for Organ

An index to pieces based on hymn tunes

John Courter is a Professor of Music and College Organist at Berea College in Berea, Kentucky, He is organist at Union Church (nondenominational) and is a Fellow of the American Guild of Organists. His degrees are from Michigan State University and the University of Michigan,with further studies at the North German Organ Academy.

Using the "Hymn Preludes for Organ" Index

This index of organ pieces based on hymn tunes has been compiled by the author to assist in planning for worship services. This allows one to choose organ music which will fit the scriptural readings, the sermon topic, or hymns sung in the service.

One may choose pieces based on a particular hymn tune, such as "Foundation," or those with a certain keyword in the title, such as "peace," "shepherd" or "faith."

This index is by no means complete, but is a 'work in progress' based on the author's library of organ music.

It is hoped that this may assist other organists in selecting appropriate music for the worship service, as well as encouraging them to catalogue their own music libraries in a similar manner.

Instructions:

Clicking on "Hymn Preludes Index" in the upper left box will allow one to download the file and use its special features. It is a database file using Microsoft Excel, with over 4000 entries.

After saving the file, open it in Microsoft Excel or another suitable spreadsheet program.

The "Find" command under the "Edit" heading allows one to type in the keyword or hymntune name. By pushing the "Find Next" button, one can locate all instances of that word.

The categories (field headings) are: Tune, Composer, Title, Volume and page number of the piece, approximate Timing of the piece, and the Scriptural source or Usage (Advent, Easter, patriotic, etc.).